DLIC @ FreeDarko: Dented in the Rain. While he's right that Trenton was a big part of the 03-04 Wolves run, he was also KG's boy and likely was not happy that the Ticket was gone. The biggest reason to trade Trenton, though, had nothing to do with him. Trenton had to go because this is a rebuilding team and he's not a rebuilding piece, especially not on a team with so many young swingmen who need playing time. He's a complementary player that should be on a contender (for instance, Dallas). Even if he was happy (which very well may be the truth), it was a smart move to ship off Trenton.

John Hollinger's Wolves preview is an Insider feature, so here's a brief summary: "Not good." Hollinger predicts a grand total of 22 wins for the Wolves. His recap of last year reviewed the questionable offseason and the strange midseason firing of Dwane Casey while the team was at .500. Hollinger actually calls it "the most idiotic coaching switch of the past decade." It's tough to argue with him after he brings up that McHale wasn't happy with the teams "consistency" under Casey and that under Wittman the team didn't win consecutive games after the All-Star break. Also, he really sums up the sting of trading KG with this quote: "a team should never, ever put itself in a position where it has to trade a player of this caliber."

The biggest strength he sees is frontcourt scoring with Big Al, Craiggers, Blount and even Juwan. The biggest weakness? MANAGEMENT. "Like the party guest who's still there when you wake up in the morning, there's McHale quietly sipping coffee on the deck, not seeming in any big hurry to go anywhere.

UPDATE

Star-Telegram: Apparently Greg Buckner wasn't happy with the trade that moved him from a championship contender to a rebuilding team. He was given the option to report to the Wolves after a week, but showed up right away. That's a great sign. The tidbit that caught my eye, however, was that he had a 5% trade kicker that paid him $560,000. Thanks to The Old Timberwolves Logo for spotting the article.